Kunitz back in Blackhawks lineup, Manning still waiting
It's been a rough stretch for Brandon Manning and Chris Kunitz of late, with both veterans sitting out multiple games over the last few weeks.
Manning, who signed a two-year, $4.5 million deal in the off-season, sat out a sixth-straight game when the Blackhawks hosted Florida on Sunday. The 28-year-old defenseman has 1 goal, 2 assists and is a team-worst minus-14 in just 27 games.
"I don't like scratching anyone. It's hard to have those conversations, but it's necessary," coach Jeremy Colliton said. "We have a full roster, so three guys are out every night. Hopefully they understand we're trying to do what's best for the team."
Getting back into the lineup won't be easy for Manning, either, as Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Connor Murphy and Erik Gustafsson (7 goals in his last 15 games) are near-locks to play every night. Gustav Forsling and Carl Dahlstrom are also both playing well, so until something changes, Manning will have to bide his time and wait for his next chance.
Meanwhile, the 39-year-old Kunitz (no goals, 2 assists in 23 GP) finally drew back into the lineup Sunday after sitting out six straight games and 15 of the last 18. He skated on the fourth line with Jacob Nilsson and Brendan Perlini. Nilsson was called up Saturday, replacing Luke Johnson, who was assigned to Rockford.
In addition to Manning, John Hayden and Andreas Martinsen were the other healthy scratches against Florida.
Crawford update:
Corey Crawford was at the United Center on Sunday, but he remains in concussion protocol. There is no timetable for the goalie's return, and all Jeremy Colliton said about it was: "He is here. So that's a positive."
Crawford was injured in a collision with Dylan Strome during a fast-developing play against San Jose on Dec 16. Crawford's head was hit twice in about a second - the first impact coming from Strome, and the second when Crawford fell back into one of the goal posts.
Slap shots:
Connor Murphy's first-period goal against Florida was just the 16th of his career and third with the Hawks in 85 games. ... Defenseman Brandon Davidson (knee) said he's about 7-10 days away from being able to return. He hasn't played since Nov. 12. … The Hawks set a season high with 22 blocked shots at Colorado during their 2-1 victory in Friday.